The Party System in the United States

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses party affiliation and how it influences how the government in the United States operates. It also discusses other important influences that exist. The paper then discusses the reasons for the difficulty that exists for a new party to gain power in government because of the two party system that currently exists.

Table of Contents:
Party Affiliation
Difficulty in Adding a New Party

From the Paper:

"There are also some institutional factors, which limit the influence of party affiliation by members of Congress. The President and other party leaders may assist Congressmen in their election, but ultimately members are responsible to their constituents first. They may follow an ideological group or a bi-partisan coalition on an issue if it is what their voters want.
"In recent years there has been a growth in earmarks, the funding of specific projects often targeted to a specific Congressman's district. If distributed by the party these can increase discipline and be used as a way of rewarding loyalty. Also a popular president or former president might campaign on behalf of party loyalists, helping out at re-election time."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bibby, John. Politics, parties, and elections in America. Chicago: Nelson-Hall, 1987.

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• Term Paper # 107272 : "Political Parties in the U.S."
• Essay # 36230 : "United States Political System"

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